The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 1908. THE SECOND BALLOT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12622, 19 November 1908, Page 4

The Wanganui Herald. [PUBLISHED DAILY.] THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 1908. THE SECOND BALLOT.

Now that what Mr Hutchison aptly termed the "first round" of the local political contest is over, interest will centre on the second ballot to be held on Tuesday next. *Ye were r.ivcr partial to the principle of the secoud ballot, considering that in tvery way Mr McNab's "absolute majority ' proposal is preferable. Though under the latter system the returning officers would have somewhat more work when more tLan two candid jtes wore contesting a *eat, and the returns might be a little slower in conning to hand, the i-xpense, inconvenience, and turmoil of the &econd ballot would be obviated. It was predicted by the Premier that there would be only about twelve second ballots throughout the Dominion, but events, however, have proved that twenty-two extra polls will be taken, which means twice the expense and trouble anticipated by the Premier. The object the Premier had in view in passing the Second Ballot Act w.as to ensure as far as possible majority lepresentation, which did not obtain under the old Electoral Act. The Opposition nnd their Press supporters charged the Government with having promoted the measure "in order to crush out the representation of independent Labour and to save its own tottering fortunes in many electorates." This assertion was made no later than yesterday by the Dominion, which further contended that "had the Act not passed there would to-day be an Opposition party numbering nearly thirty, and had Tuesday's elections been held under the same law as the elections of 1905, that is to say, the Opposition would have increased from sixteen to nearly thirty." How utterly unreliable such statements are, a glance at the returns will show. As mentioned yesterday, there will be 22 second ballots. In 17 out of these 22 electorates the Government candidates headed the poll, and had there been no second ballot they would in the ordinary course of events have been returned. And yet, in the face of this, the Dominion coolly asserts that if Tuesday's elections had been held under the same law as the elections of 1905, the Opposition would have increased from sixteen to nearly thirty ! Could anything be more absurd? As a matter of fact, the second ballot is of no

advantage to the Government. They would, as we have pointed out, have gained 17 more seats straight out if there had been but one election. As it is they stand a chance of losing some of these seats; at least it appears on the face of it that they might, though we expect the Government supporters to win 17 or 18 out of the 22 second ballots. Though it may be early yet to express an opinion, we think those who will have had the experience of the second ballot will be inclined to lean more to the absolute majority principle or some other electoral reform proposal in future elections.

In so far as the local contest is concerned, we feel confident the Liberal forces, which were divided in the first ballot, will now rally together in a solid phalanx, and on Tuesday next put the issue beyond doubt, demonstrating that the Wanganui Liberals, whatever differences they may have in matters of individual choice, can sink their personal differences when their party interests are affected. On all the main planks of tie Government platform they are of one mind, and we feel sure a reflection of that mind will be apparent on Tuesday. The Liberals will, we are confident, rally round the flag, inspired by the memory of the past. They Tecognise that Mr Hogan is a firm supporter of the Democratic Government which for 18 years has fought, in the teeth of the most 6treuuous opposition, against the capitalists and the big land owners, who have so strongly resented any interference with the privileges they enjoyed under the old regime which Mr Hutchison is again desirous of assisting to block the wheels of progress. We are confident, we say, that on Tuesday next the Liberals will prove true to the traditions of the late John Ballance and his successors, and in a solid vote on the day of the second ballot show in no ''nmistakeable way their appreciation of the progressive legislative efforts made on their behalf.